Concha y Toro are one of the world’s biggest and most recognisable wine brands. Connoisseurs may turn up their noses at this – but they produce a great range of good quality, good value wines. The story behind Casillero del Diablo began over 120 years ago. The founder of Concha y Toro, Don Melchor stored batches…
Tag: Chile
Astro Costera Chardonnay 2018 – Virgin Wines
Astro Costera Chardonnay is from Chile’s Central Valley. I suspect that it, like many other Virgin Wines, comes in large containers and is bottled in the UK, to give them a greater margin. Put on a suitable label with a vaguely Andean motif, name your price and see what happens… Tasting notes: Pale lemon colour. Green…
Santa Macarena Sauvignon Blanc 2017 – Virgin Wines
This Sauvignon Blanc is from the most coastal site in all of Chile; the Aconcagua Valley is just 5km from the ocean. Morning mist, sea breezes and lower temperatures provide ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting notes: Pale straw colour. Stone fruits and some vegetal notes. Short, crisp finish. Balanced, medium/high acidity. Not especially complex or…
Cono Sur Reserva Especial Riesling
I’m a big fan of Riesling. To me it has a gentle, aromatic character. It is regarded as one of the three most important grapes, after Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, however its UK sales don’t reflect this. Demand for it (and planting) are both increasing. Chile is a minor player in Riesling production. Riesling is…
Santa Rita Chardonnay, Chile
Another attractive looking bottle… This chardonnay from the Limarí Valley (the northernmost vineyard district in Chile) is produced quite close to the equator however the valley is cooled by sea breezes. This gives many ‘old-world’ wines a run for their money… Tasting notes: Bright, golden colour. A full-flavoured Chardonnay. It displays citrus aromas and apple…
Isla Negra Sauvignon Blanc
I thought this was good, if not memorable Sauvignon Blanc. Very good value at £5, however and good everyday table wine. This comes from Cono Sur, another branch of Concha y Toro. Tasting notes: Initially detected some sharp, fruit notes. Hints of citrus fruits. Good texture. Dry (but not bone dry). Wine Colour – White…
Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay
Concha y Toro are one of the world’s biggest and most recognisable wine brands. Connoisseurs may turn up their noses at this – but they produce a great range of good quality, good value wines. The story behind Casillero del Diablo began over 120 years ago. The founder of Concha y Toro, Don Melchor stored batches…
Cimarosa Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: Revolting. This wine tasted of halitosis. The budget supermarkets have some very good, keenly priced wines. This was nasty. It had a cork closure – but it wasn’t corked; that makes a wine smell like a mildewed cagoule I once had. I read a few months ago that Jancis Robinson, in Mendoza for…
A Time for Wine 